Bent (Updated 6-22-03)

Hello all!

Thanks for the replies! I'm glad you're enjoying the story. I'm going to try and poat a chapter a day from now on, as long as life doesn't interfere... like it so often does

Hope you like this chapter!

Joey shows up in this chapter Snoozy, along with the rest of the gang...

Doug and Tamara...

I went over things that would have been different if Pacey hadn't been there... This is one of a couple of noticable differences...

Snowie

Chapter Three:
*~*The Raging Storm*~*
*~*EASTERN MAINE MEDICAL CENTER*~*

Paul eased out of Pacey's hospital room and looked around the hall for his father. He spotted him down the hall talking to a patrolman. He hurried towards him. "Did you get a hold of them?" He asked as he reached his father.

"They're on their way," Derek said. "How's Pacey?"

"He's sleeping," Paul said.

"You learn anything more?"

"He didn't say much," Paul said. "Just..." He stopped as a scream ripped through the hall.

"NOOOO!!" Paul was moving almost immediately, his father on his heels. They entered Pacey's room on the coat tails of a doctor, a nurse right behind them. "Get away from me!" Pacey screamed. His frenzied eyes caught sight of the Doctor and Paul and Derek. "Get him away from me!" He cried, pointing at an orderly who was standing at the foot of his bed.

"Pacey, calm down," Paul said, his voice soothing.

"GET HIM OUT OF HERE!"

"Pacey, I need you to relax," the doctor said his voice soothing. "He's just an orderly. He's not going to hurt you."

"He's one of her's!" Pacey cried.

The doctor turned to the nurse. "A sedative." The nurse nodded and hurriedly drew a syringe for the doctor and handed it to him.

"What are you doing?" Pacey asked. "What...what are you doing!?"

"It's just to help you relax," the doctor said.

"I don't want it!" The doctor stepped forward to administer it to the IV. "NO!" Pacey screamed, flailing his good arm to the side, knocking the doctor off balance.

"Pacey," Paul said, hurrying forward.

"No!" Pacey cried. Paul gripped him by the shoulders and held him down, nodding at the doctor who quickly administered the drug.

"It'll be okay," Paul said. "I won't let anything happen to you."

Pacey struggled against his hold, but slowed as the drug kicked in. "You can't trust anyone," he said softly. "They're everywhere."

"Everything is fine, Pacey. I promise," Paul said.

Pacey looked up, his gaze meeting Paul's forcefully. "I'm NOT crazy."

"I don't think you are," Paul said. He looked up as the movement of the orderly towards the door caught his attention. He nodded to his father, who stepped up to the man, stopping his movement. "We'll figure it out."

"They're everywhere," Pacey whispered as his eyes fluttered shut. "Everywhere."

*~*CAPESIDE POLICE STATION*~*

"So, you want to explain why you ditched me?" Tamara Jacobs asked, standing in front of Doug's desk.

Doug looked up as the slightly amused voice of his girlfriend reached his ears. He could tell from her tone that she was amused for now. If he didn't have a damn good excuse that amusement would soon change to annoyance. He put the phone down and got to his feet, giving her a tight hug.

"I have a very good reason actually," Doug said softly. He stepped back and took a deep breath. Tamara could suddenly tell that whatever this was, it was major. "It's going to have repercussions for you too. For everyone at the high school." For it had suddenly hit Doug that the little boy that he remembered from six years ago was now almost a man. All of his friends were now in high school. If Pacey had grown up in Capeside like he should have, he would have had Tamara for English sophomore year.

"What's going on Doug?" Tamara asked.

"You remember how I told you about Pacey?" Doug said, his voice almost frenzied.

"Your younger brother who disappeared?" Tamara asked, puzzled.

Doug nodded. "We thought he was dead. We had no hope left...But they found him...."

"What!?"

"In Maine. I don't know what happened, how they found him. I only know that he's there and that my parents went to get him. I've been calling everyone in my family. His friends." He looked around, frazzled. "I keep feeling that there's something more that I should be doing."

"How about sitting down and relaxing for a minute and telling me what's bothering you."

Doug deflated and collapsed into his chair. "I'm scared to death," he said softly. Tamara sat next to him and placed her hand in his. "I'm scared of what happened to Pacey while he was gone. What he's going to be like. I'm scared that they scarred him, body and spirit. I'm...I'm scared that he'll come back and that the little boy who disappeared six years ago will be gone. That we'll never really get him back." Tamara rested her head comfortingly on Doug's shoulder, wishing that there was something that she could say to help him, to reassure him. But there was nothing that she could say with enough certainty to be convincing. She knew, as he did, that the boy who came back would not be the one who left. It was only a question of how much he had changed....and in what way.

*~*EASTERN MAINE MEDICAL CENTER*~*

"Pacey was right," Derek said, approaching Paul. "We think he's one of her's."

"He talk?"

"No," Derek said, rubbing his forehead tiredly. "But he's not in any of the employment records."

Paul shook his head. "When are Pacey's parents getting here?"

"I think they were flying in. The storm probably delayed them, but they should be here soon."

Paul looked over at the door to Pacey's room which was now guarded by a policeman. "I wonder how they're going to react to this?"

"With a lot of tears, a lot of guilt and a lot of anger."

"Sheriff Andrews?" Someone questioned.

"Yes?" Derek said turning. It was the federal agents that had spoken to him at the bank. "Oh, it's you," he said. "What?"

"I understand that the boy is here," Special Agent Thomas said. "We need to speak to him."

"He was just sedated," Paul said. "One of Sally's men got in to see him."

"Is he all right?" Agent Jones asked, concerned.

"He'll be fine," Paul said.

"We need to talk to you too," Agent Thomas said. "You were there, correct? And you had a conversation with the boy?" Paul nodded. "What can you tell us about him?"

"His name is Pacey Witter. He's seventeen years old. Six years ago he was kidnapped from Capeside Massachusetts. His father, Sheriff John Witter, and his mother, Beth Witter are on their way here as we speak."

"Sheriff Andrews!" A man exclaimed, hurrying over to them, his wife at his heels. "I'm John Witter. My son..."

"Mr. Witter," Sheriff Andrews said. "He's in that room right over there. We'll let you peek in and then we need to talk to you..."

"But..." Beth started.

"He's sedated right now, Mrs. Witter," Paul said. "We'll explain...."

"Aren't you going to check their ID?" Agent Thomas asked. "You can't be sure..."

"Who are you?" John Witter asked. "Why would they need to check ID?"

"I'm Special Agent Thomas with the FBI," He said, showing his badge. "And they need to check ID because the boy's still in danger."

Agent Jones glared at her partner for a moment. He was so insensitive sometimes, just blurting things out. "We're just being cautious," she said softly to the Witter's. "We want to be sure that nothing more happens to Pacey."

"Here," John Witter said, thrusting his ID into Agent Thomas' hands. He then turned to Paul. "My son?"

"This way, Mr. Witter," Paul said, leading the way to Pacey's hospital room.

*~*CAPESIDE: DAWSON'S ROOM*~*

"Whatever Dawson," Joey said rolling her eyes. "We all know that television shows are of far better quality than movies any day..."

"What!?" Dawson squawked. "You've got to be..."

"Kidding!" Joey said, rolling her eyes again. "You've known me how long, Dawson?"

"Long enough that he should know when you're joking!" Jack said with a laugh. "What's up Dawson? Out of your league?"

"Hey, we all know that Joey can run circles around poor Dawson here. He doesn't stand a chance."

"Thank you so much Jen," Dawson said, glaring at her. Jen shrugged.

"Don't worry Dawson," Andie said, taking her boyfriend's hand. "I still love you."

"Thank you," Dawson said, kissing her lightly on the lips.

"Ugh, PDA," Joey said with a groan, but she smiled. She and Dawson had had a very shortlived romance, but had soon discovered that they were much better friends then lovers. Kissing him had been kind of like kissing a brother, and that was not a very comfortable thing. Joey was happy that Dawson had found Andie. They were perfect for each other, though she sometimes wondered how two such neurotic people could survive in the world together.

Joey shook her head and got to her feet. "You guys hungry?" She asked.

"Naw," The others said, shaking their heads.

"Well, I'm going to go get a snack. Don't start the movie without me, 'kay?"

"No problem," Jack said. Joey left and Andie turned to Dawson.

"Dawson, Dad wants to know if you'll come over for dinner tomorrow night," Andie said, looking at him expectantly. "Can you make it?"

Dawson was about to answer when the phone rang. He held up a finger as he answered. "Hello?" Dawson looked surprised as the person on the other end of the line announced themselves. "Doug? What...? You're kidding! Where was....? Who... She's here. Yeah...Yeah, I'll tell her..." He paused for a while as Doug spoke. "Let me know when he gets here," he said, his voice filled with stunned disbelief...and happiness. "We'll see you soon, Doug." He dropped the receiver back into it's cradle and stared at the wall for a moment.

Andie's eyebrows drew together in puzzlement when she noticed the dazed look on Dawson's face. "Dawson?" She questioned softly. "Are you okay?"

"Oh my god," Dawson said, turning his face towards her, but not really seeing her. "Where'd Joey go?"

"Downstairs..." Andie said. Dawson jumped to his feet and ran to the door. "Dawson?"

"Joey!" Dawson called. "Jo!?"

"What's going on?" Jack asked, looking confused.

Andie turned and looked at Jen who just shrugged. "I have no idea."

"Who's Doug?” Jack asked.

"Don't know that either."

"That I can help you with. Deputy Doug Witter most likely," Jen said. "But why he'd be calling here..." She shrugged again.

"JOEY!?" Dawson called again from the hall.

"Hold your horses!" Joey exclaimed, bounding up the stairs. "What's your problem, Dawson?"

"They found him, Jo," Dawson said, joy beginning to creep over his face.

"What?" Joey asked confused. "Who?"

"They found Pacey, Joey! He's coming home."

The plate that Joey was carrying clattered to the ground. She reached out and grabbed Dawson by his upper arms. "Are you serious?" She asked, shaking him slightly, her eyes wide.

Dawson nodded. "Swear on Captain Jones' bones," he said, holding up his right hand and calling on their old childhood pact.

"Oh my god!" Joey exclaimed. "Oh my god! How do you know?" She asked, shaking him again.

"Doug just called," Dawson said. "His parents just got the news. They’re on their way to pick him up now."

"Did he say where he was? What had happened?"

"No," Dawson said. "I think Doug was still in a daze. He just said that his parents had gone to get him and he thought that we should know. He said that he'd give us a call when they get him home. But he's alive Joey! He's really alive!"

Joey let out a whoop and threw her arms around Dawson. "I don't believe this!" They did a little dance in the hall, as their friends watched in confusion.

"Um guys?" Jen said from the doorway where she was standing with Andie and Jack. "Sorry to interrupt and all, but who's Pacey?"

Joey and Dawson looked at each other, some of their excitement leaving them as they begin to think of the reality of the situation. They reentered Dawson's room and sat down on the bed. "Pacey Witter was our best friend," Joey said softly. "From the time that we were three until..." She stopped, the horror of those days returning. People talking in hushed voices. The lights moving through the woods at night as people searched. The discussion about dragging the creek...

Dawson understood her silence immediately and squeezed her hand reassuringly. "He disappeared when we were, what, ten years old?" Dawson said. Joey nodded. "They looked everywhere, eventually deciding that he must have been taken by someone. They think it was an act of revenge against Sheriff Witter." Dawson looked down at his feet.

"I don't think Sheriff Witter ever stopped looking for Pacey," Joey said softly. "Even if the official investigation was called off."

"How could he?" Dawson said. "Heck half the time when I walk down the street in another town, I look at each face..."

Joey nodded. "I know."

"Where do you think he was?" Jack asked softly. "Do they know who had him?"

Dawson shook his head. "I don't know. Doug didn't say much. I...I still can't believe..." Joey sat silently, a thoughtful, almost fearful look on her face. Dawson noticed almost immediately. "What's wrong Jo?"

"I was just thinking," Joey began softly. "You know, six years...that's a long time...I'm just scared for him is all." She looked up, her gaze meeting Dawson's. "It's just...the kind of people who would steal a child for revenge...what...what do you think they did to him...after they took him?"

Dawson felt the initial joy he had felt at the return of his best friend fade as fear began to replace it. "Oh god, Jo, I don't know..." And deep down he wondered if he truly wanted to know.

*~*EASTERN MAINE MEDICAL CENTER*~*

A storm raged outside, but it wasn't as violent as the one that raged within the hospital's walls. Deep within a young man's brain. Deep within his soul.

Pacey tossed and turned on his hospital bed as horrifying visions flashed before his eyes. The sounds he made would have been painful to hear, if anyone had been there to listen. But for the moment he was alone, the nightmares his only companions. He gasped suddenly and sat up straight in bed, sweat pouring off of him. He looked around frantically, unsure where he was. If they found out he was gone... If they found him...His breath caught in his throat as the door to his room began to open. He shrank back, his eyes searching desperately for an escape route. A way out. There was nothing.

"No!" He whispered softly, fear racing through him. "Please no!"

"Pacey?" Beth Witter questioned softly as she entered the room. She felt a sharp pain shoot through her heart at the fear she saw written so clearly on her son's face. She didn't know yet exactly what those people had done to her son, but she knew already that if she were allowed even a minute alone with them she could easily kill them. "Pacey," she said again, even more gently, tears filling her eyes.

"Mom?" Pacey questioned uncertainly, as if unable to believe that it was actually her standing in front of him. As if he had dreamed this moment many times, only to have the horror of reality crash down upon him again and again.

Beth Witter moved slowly to the bed, careful to keep her movements small so as not to frighten him. She took his hand gently, careful not to react to the way that he flinched away from her touch. She looked down at his hand first, her eyes then moving up his arm. She flinched inwardly at the bruises and scratches, some bright and new, other's old and faded, that covered them. The burns. The scars. She bit her lip. What had those monsters done to him? What had they done to her baby? "It's okay Pacey," she said, careful to keep the anger out of her voice. Filling her words instead with the love that filled her heart at the sight of him. "You're safe now."

'Safe?' Pacey's mind questioned. He was barely able to keep from scoffing at her...but fear of her reaction to that was enough to keep him quiet. Who was she kidding anyway? He hadn't felt safe in six years. Not since the day that they had taken him and thrown him into the deepest recesses of hell.

Pacey pulled his hand from his mother's and shrank farther against the wall as the door to his room opened once more. John Witter walked into the room, stopping dead in his tracks at the fear on Pacey's face. He wished again that the FBI had granted his request for a few moments alone in that interrogation room... At least they were going to let them take him home almost immediately, insisting only that they were allowed access to him in Capeside. Paul had suggested leaving him in the hospital in Capeside for a while to allow him to get used to the idea of being home. He had also suggested a psychologist. One look at the fear on Pacey's face was enough to convince Mr. Witter that one was needed. What had those monsters done to his son?

Mr. Witter's mouth tightened slightly at the thought of those people. The ones that had done this to his son. Pacey saw the change in his expression immediately and became even more on guard. Mr. Witter noticed this and grimaced slightly, a lump forming in his throat. He cleared his throat slightly before speaking as gently as he could. "How are you Pacey?" Pacey studied his father as if the question was a matter of life and death and Mr. Witter swallowed hard. "You can say whatever you want to Pace. No...no one here is going to hurt you."

Pacey laughed shortly before biting his lip slightly, tears coming to his eyes. These were his parents...His parents! And he had no idea how to act around them. No idea what to say. What to do. He licked his lips slightly and then looked uncertainly from his father to his mother and back again. "I'm..." He started, his voice hoarse from disuse. "I'm...not so good." He looked down at his hands, too afraid to look up. Afraid of what he might see in their faces...Of what he might not see.

Tears filled the eyes of both of his parents at the sound of his voice. It was the first time that they had heard his voice in six years. Nothing prepared them for the sound of it, so lost and frightened. So beaten...

"That's okay," John Witter said softly, moving to his wife's side as she took Pacey's hand in hers once again. He put his arm around him wife and rested his other hand on top of the hand which held Pacey's so tightly. Pacey looked up at them, his face unsure, yet hopeful. "We...we're going to help you through this Pacey. You don't have to be afraid anymore. You don't have to worry. Your mother and I. We're going to take care of you. They'll never get near you again."

Pacey looked at them, wanting to believe him. Wanting to trust the love that he saw in their eyes. But he couldn't. His ability to believe in anything had disappeared a long time ago. And he knew the words for the lie they were, because there was nothing that his parents could do to keep them away. Not when he carried them with him always, deep within his tortured soul.

His parents watched Pacey sadly as the mistrust and doubt swept across his face. They wished that there was something that they could do to make him believe. To help him to trust them. But they could think of nothing and the storm still raged, deep within Pacey's soul.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Learning the truth is only the first step towards solving the Mystery…
Deadly Secrets

Joey missed her chance, but Andie has learned the importance of seizing the moment. Will Joey be able to win Pacey back?
Carpe Diem

Author	Comment
Snowie5879 Loves Pacey and Joey Posts: 4 (3/11/03 11:20 pm) Reply	Bent (Updated 6-22-03) Bent Prologue: ~Gone in an Instant~ Jan. 21, 1994 Ten-year-old Pacey Witter disappeared this afternoon while walking home from school. His friends last saw him when they parted ways at Oaks and Main. His father, Sheriff Witter, was informed of the young boy’s disappearance about an hour after the boy was due home. Search parties have since swept the area, but have found nothing. Authorities are asking for volunteers for help in continuing the search... Jan. 22, 1994 Police and searchers were hopeful that young Pacey Witter would soon be found, but the case took a bitter turn earlier today when the young boy's schoolbag was found in a ditch along his route home... Jan. 23, 1994 What began as a missing person has recently been upgraded to a possible abduction by a stranger... Jan. 24, 1994 The search for Pacey Witter was called to a halt late last night as the certainty grows that this was an abduction, most likely by a stranger... Jan. 24, 1994 Hope of finding Pacey Witter unharmed is fading with each passing minute. The young boy, missing since January 21, is now believed to have been taken, rather then having simply wandered off. Police are bombarding radio and television with descriptions of the boy as his parents plead for his safe return... Jan. 26, 1994 Reports have been trickling in which suggest that the Witters have received phone calls from the kidnappers. These phone calls are said to point to this being an act of revenge against Sheriff Witter. Revenge for what remains in question, as does what price young Pacey Witter will pay... July 1, 1994 After nearly six months with no leads, the disappearance of Pacey Witter has been downgraded to inactive status. Experts now believe that it is unlikely that he'll ever be found. His parents vow to continue the search, but many people now fear that the young boy is already dead... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~* Edited by: Snowie5879 at: 6/22/03 10:53 pm
leep4joy Loves Pacey and Joey Posts: 3 (3/11/03 9:13 pm) Reply	Re: Bent Wow!!! Ok, so you have my attention there. What's the deal with Pacey being gone? Did his parents pay someone to kidknap him? Do his parents love him in this world or is his family life similar to the show??? So many questions here. And where's Joey?? Please come back and let me know what's going on here. This looks so good sweetie!! I can't wait to see where you take this. ~Lee
EviePJlvr Started Operation True Love! Pacey & Joey Die Hard, Joshua Jackson Bad Ass Chick. Posts: 136 (3/11/03 9:23 pm) Reply	Re: Bent OMG this is soooooooooooooooooo good! It's a must post, girlie! And if you say this is your best work, well then we have to see more. It's so exciting! Yay!! Good fic! It makes the world go 'round! Go Christie! Go Christie! LOL! Love it, doll! TTYL, Eive Reading is good. Writing is even better.
LadyHaHa Loves Pacey and Joey Posts: 3 (3/12/03 1:07 pm) Reply	Re: Bent Woah! Poor Pacey. This is really intriguing. Post more of it soon. I love it! Donna
Snowie5879 Loves Pacey and Joey Posts: 5 (3/13/03 4:07 pm) Reply	Chapter One Hi All! Thanks for the replies! I'm glad you like it Here's the next part! Snowie Chapter One ~The Unforgiven~ New blood joins this earth and quickly he's subdued through constant pain disgrace the young boy learns their rules with time the child draws in this whipping boy done wrong deprived of all his thoughts the young man struggles on and on he's known a vow unto his own that never from this day his will they'll take away what I've felt what I've known never shined through in what I've shown never be never see won't see what might have been what I've felt what I've known never shined through in what I've shown never free never me so I dub thee unforgiven they dedicate their lives to running all of his he tries to please them all this bitter man he is throughout his life the same he's battled constantly this fight he cannot win a tired man they see no longer cares the old man then prepares to die regretfully that old man here is me what I've felt what I've known never shined through in what I've shown never be never see won't see what might have been what I've felt what I've known never shined through in what I've shown never free never me so I dub thee unforgiven you labeled me I'll label you so I dub thee unforgiven February 22, 1999 Small town in Maine Pacey looked around the room and grimaced. The inside of the bank was normal enough in appearance, but what was happening there was definitely out of the ordinary. None of the tellers were at their posts and none of the clients were complaining because they weren't being waited on. Instead, tellers and patrons alike were huddled along the walls, talking in hushed voices. Their eyes would occasionally stray to gaze fearfully at the men and women who were pacing in front of them, guns clutched in their tense hands. The people with the guns were militants, not bank robbers. Their purpose was not the money that they had tucked away in satchels...At least that's what they claimed. Their real purpose, as one of their members was oh so calmly informing the negotiator, was to protest the capitalistic government pigs. Pacey himself didn't hold to much stock in the whole idea. To be perfectly honest, he still didn't really understand what they were after when they made stands like this. Even after being with them for close to six years. What they did didn't make any sense to him at all. He just sat off to the side, praying that it would be over soon. He wasn't technically one of the hostages, but he wasn't one of the militants either. All he wanted, even after six years, was to go home. He sighed and then reached into his duffel. He pulled out a well worn copy of Atlas Shrugged and settled in against the wall to read. Paul Andrews, the man to his left, took in the title and looked at the young boy with a puzzled expression on his face. "So, what's an anti-capitalistic militant doing reading Ayn Rand?" Pacey scoffed. "Like I'm with them out of choice. And don't talk so loud. Mama Sal wouldn't like to know just what it is I've been reading." Paul studied Pacey, amazed that the venom in his voice wasn't betrayed on his face. "She doesn't know what it's about?" Pacey scoffed again, not taking his eyes from the pages. "If she could read she probably would have pitched a fit, but since she doesn't...It's not like she really cares about any of that capitalist shit anyway. She'd just know what I'm saying by reading it. It's kind of a weak statement, but it's a statement nonetheless. But that doesn't mean that I want to get beat for it." "She hits..." Paul stopped at the glare he got from Pacey and changed his line of questioning. "None of them can read?" Pacey shrugged. "Beats me. I know she can't." It was a slight exaggeration, but he didn't care. It wasn't necessarily that she couldn't read. It was just that the strain of thinking that hard was too much for her. He glanced over at Paul. "You sound a little surprised. She fool you?" "It's just that some of the groups now..." Pacey nodded. "Yeah. Some of them are run by semi-well educated people with an actual idea of what they're talking about, but you guys lucked out. You got the illiterate hick." Paul was amazed to find himself tempted to laugh, despite the circumstances. He buried the urge and asked a question instead. "So why are you here? She your mother?" "No," Pacey said shortly, looking slightly ill at the idea. "No, she's definitely not my mother." "So..." He stopped at the butt of a gun grazed the side of his head. He put a hand to his temple and looked up at the older woman standing over him. "No talking to the boy," Mama Sal barked, glaring at the man. "You need to know something, you ask me...Better yet, don't talk. You want to live, you keep your trap shut." She turned to Pacey. "As for you, either bury your nose in that book, or stand guard." Pacey scoffed and rolled his eyes. "Like you'd give me a gun! You know damn well that the first person I'd shoot would be you!" Pacey barely flinched as the woman backhanded him across the face. He glared up at her his eyes filled with hatred and Paul glanced from one to the other, hoping that he wouldn't have to watch this kid get shot. "What?" Pacey asked as she continued to glare at him. "What? You gonna shoot me? Go ahead! I'd welcome death after the hell of living with you!" "Watch it sonny," Mama Sal said, glaring down at him. "What are you going to threaten me with this time?" Pacey asked glaring at her. Paul felt amazement growing in him. The feelings of hatred he had towards this woman were nothing compared to the look of pure loathing that graced Pacey's face as he glared at Mama Sal. "What? What else can you do to me? You've already..." Pacey came to a stop as the butt of the rifle came in contact with his head, knocking him cold. Mama Sal gazed at the ceiling for a moment. "Ah, blessed silence," she said softly, before turning and walking away. Paul watched her go before reaching over silently and making Pacey as comfortable as he could. He was relieved to see that the boy was already beginning to come around. "What did you do that for Mama?" One of the men asked, nodding in Pacey's direction. "He was talking to much. What are they saying now?" The man shrugged. "Bobby's still talking to them." "You all right," Paul whispered softly to Pacey, his eyes never leaving Mama Sal. "I'll be fine," Pacey said, groaning softly as he sat up. "No big deal." "Does she do that often?" Pacey shrugged. "Never could control my smart mouth. Runs in the family." "Why do you stay?" Paul asked. "There must be some way..." Pacey inclined his head in the direction of one of the men. "See that monster over there?" Paul glanced over at the man and found that his gaze was met by two shifty black eyes. He nodded. "That's Hank. Hank has orders to shoot me if I try to go anywhere in this place besides the bathroom. I'm not going anywhere." "My god!" Paul said. Mama glared at them but her concentration was broken as one of her men approached. "What did they say Bobby?" "Not much," Bobby said. "They're working on the money and the transportation out of here." "That's all?" "They also said that they're thinking over our statements about the government, but that there's not a whole lot that they can do to change the entire government of the United States in the matter of a few hours." "They said what!?" Mama asked, her beady eyes narrowed as she gazed around the room. "It seems to me that they’re mocking us. I hate it when people mock us! Maybe it would be a good idea to set an example of what happens when people cross me," Mama said, her eyes coming to rest on Paul. ~Outside~ An older man and a young woman got out of a dark, nondescript car. They looked around them, taking in the activity that was taking place in front of the bank. They spotted the Sheriff off to the side and approached him. "Sheriff Andrews?" The man said. "Yes?" The sheriff said, his gaze never leaving the building in front of him. "I'm Special Agent Thomas and this is Special Agent Jones, FBI. We're up from Bangor..." "You claiming jurisdiction?" The sheriff interrupted, finally looking at them. He was an older man, with a weatherbeaten face. "'Cause if you are, you can't have it. Not while my boy is in there." "All the more reason that we should take over," Agent Jones said softly. "Besides that, it's a bank and that's under federal jurisdiction." "You're not shutting me out of this!" Sheriff Andrew exclaimed. He watched as federal agents began arriving in mass. "I won't allow it!" "No, we're not," Agent Thomas said, looking meaningfully at Agent Jones. "Our orders are to assist in any way that we can. You're still in charge for the time being, but if this goes on much longer, we're supposed to take over. That all right with you?" Sheriff Andrews sighed knowing that it was more then he could logically have expected. "That's fine." He looked around, his eyes coming to rest on a deputy. "Rob?" "Yeah Sheriff?" "Bring these two up to speed will ya?" "Sure Sheriff," Rob said as the sheriff turned his attention back to the bank. "What do you two need to know?" The Feds looked at each other and sighed. "Just tell us everything you know." ~Inside~ "Maybe it would be a good idea to set an example of what happens when people cross me," Mama said, Her eyes coming to rest on Paul. "What do you want me to do Mama?" "Shoot him," Mama said. "I think you're in trouble," Pacey said softly, as Bobby and Mama Sal approached them. "Get to your feet," Mama ordered, pointing her gun at Paul. "You're gonna to be our example." Paul got slowly to his feet. Pacey looked at Mama Sal and back to Paul before jumping to his feet. "I'm not going to let you do this Mama!" He said. "What do you care?” Mama Sal asked, narrowing her eyes. "I care because you're doing this because I talked to him and I'm not about to let another person die thanks to me!" "Sit down!" "I won't!" Pacey said. "I can shoot him just as easily with the kid standing," Bobby said raising his gun. Mama Sal looked into Pacey's eyes and knew in an instant what he was going to do. "Bobby don't!" It was too late. The man had fired just as Pacey threw himself in front of Paul. They tumbled to the floor in a heap. "You idiot!" Mama Sal screeched, cuffing the man upside the head. "Ouch!" Bobby exclaimed. "It was an accident! He jumped in front of the guy!" "Go make sure you didn't kill him." Bobby approached Pacey and Paul cautiously, Mama not far behind. Meanwhile, Paul had rolled Pacey off of him and was examining the wound on his shoulder. "Get out of the way!" Mama exclaimed, knocking her gun into Paul's shoulder. "I'm a doctor." Paul said. "I think that I can do him a hell of a lot more good than you can! Now please..." He stopped as he saw Pacey shake his head. He looked into the boys pleading eyes and moved slowly away, not knowing what the boy was going to do, but needing to let him try. Owing it to him to let him try. Mama and Bobby crouched beside Pacey, their guns hanging loosely by their sides. Pacey looked from one to the other and then in a sudden move flailed his injured arm in Bobby's direction, sending his gun clattering across the floor. As Mama's eyes followed the gun, Pacey other hand darted forward and grabbed the gun from her hand, taking her by surprise. "Surprise," Pacey said, as her shocked gaze returned to him. "Doc!" He called. Paul hurried forward. "Help me out here!" he said, his eyes never leaving Mama's face, the gun pointed directly at her head. Paul helped Pacey to his feet, his eyes full of amazement. Once he was standing, Pacey waved the gun at her, indicating that she should stand. She did this slowly, glancing around the room. The other gunmen were watching them carefully as the cautiously moved forward. "Stay right where you are!" Pacey exclaimed. "Don't make me shoot her 'cause god knows I will!" "I know something you don't," Mama said softly. "Which is?" Pacey asked. "The safety's on." "Nice try," Pacey said, his eyes never straying to the gun. "But did you honestly think that would fool me? Not only have I spent the better part of six years around your sorry excuse for a militia group, my dad's a sheriff. He taught me how to use a gun when I was seven. The day he caught me with his. He decided that if I was going to be around guns, I should know everything about them. How to take care of them. How to respect them and how to use them. Now please tell those rejects over there to drop their guns...Unless of course they want to see your brains splattered all over this bank. Personally, I'd have no problem killing you and you know damn well why!" "You heard him boys," Mama said, giving in. "Drop the guns." The men looked at each other and then slowly dropped their guns to the floor. "Move to the side," Pacey said. "Away from the doors and the people." The men looked at each other again and then moved away from the weapons and door, gathering in a huddle against the wall. "If any of you know how to use guns, please pick them up and cover those guys," Pacey said, his body starting to shake from the effort of standing upright. None of them moved. "Doc?" He questioned. Paul turned to the other people. "Reggie," he said to a young man of about nineteen. "Come over here and help this young man keep on his feet." Reggie nodded and jumped to his feet, replacing Paul in holding Pacey up. Paul went forward and grabbed one of the guns which he pointed at the men. "Nancy," he said. "Go out and get the police in here." "On my way," the teller said, getting to her feet and hurrying out the door. Pacey laughed slightly and looked at Paul. "You know how to use that thing, Doc?" He questioned softly. "You're not the only one who's dad is a sheriff," Paul said with a wink. Pacey laughed again, swaying slightly as the sheriff, his men and the FBI swarmed into the bank. "Thank god you're all right!" Sheriff Andrews said, clapping his son on the shoulder. He looked around, his gaze coming to rest on Pacey who was being helped to a chair by one of the deputies as another one slapped some cuffs on Mama Sal. "Who's that?" "That's the reason I'm all right," Paul said, handing his gun to one of the police officers. He hurried over to Pacey, his father on his heels. He crouched before Pacey. "How you doin' kid?" "You're the doctor," Pacey said wryly. Paul laughed. "Name's Paul. And you are?" "Pacey..." Pacey said weakly, his voice trailing off. "My name's Pacey." "Hang in there Pacey," Paul said as Paramedics hurried over to them. "I'll take care of everything." Pacey nodded slightly before letting the darkness overtake him. Paul looked down at him for a minute, watching as they loaded him onto the stretcher and wheeled him out to the waiting ambulance. He then turned to his father. "I need you to do something for me." Sheriff Andrews nodded, looking at his son questioningly. "I'll tell you everything on the way to the hospital," Paul said. "Promise." Sheriff Andrews nodded and father and son left the bank together, leaving the case to the Feds. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~* Learning the truth is only the first step towards solving the Mystery… Deadly Secrets Joey missed her chance, but Andie has learned the importance of seizing the moment. Will Joey be able to win Pacey back? Carpe Diem
LadyHaHa Loves Pacey and Joey Posts: 8 (3/14/03 8:17 pm) Reply	Woah This is incredibly amazing! I'm so glad he's safe. That Mama Sal woman was totally freaky. This story is so exciting!! You gotta post more of it soon. I'll be looking out over the weekend. Fabulous job. Donna
SnoozyC Loves Pacey and Joey Posts: 10 (3/15/03 5:55 am) Reply	Ooooooh I'm lov-lov-loving this! After reading all the reports in the press these last few days about Elizabeth Smart and then looking back to Patty Heart... this is intriguing... and of course, fabulous! Can't wait for more.
Snowie5879 Loves Pacey and Joey Posts: 9 (3/16/03 3:18 pm) Reply	Re: Bent (Updated 3-13-03) Thanks for the replies! Thanks for the reply Lee! The questions will be all be answered eventually Thanks for the reply Evie I'm glad you like the story! I'm glad you like the story Donna! That Mama is kinda scary, Huh? lol! Thanks for the reply SnoozyC! I'm glad you're enjoying the story! Okay, here's the next part! Enjoy! Snowie Chapter Two: ~Spreading the News~ "What's going on Paul?" Sheriff Andrews asked as they followed the ambulance out of the bank parking lot. Paul sighed. "I'm not really sure," he said. "Well, I'm sure about a few things. I'm sure that kid took a bullet for me. I'm sure that he hates that woman...Mama Sal he called her, more then words could possibly describe." "Wait, he was with them!?" "Yes," Paul said. "With them, but not by choice. Six years he said. I can't imagine what kind of nightmare it was… God, just today he was slapped, knocked cold by a rifle butt and shot. I can't imagine what he endured during six years with that woman!" "Paul..." The sheriff said, having a hard time coming up with just what Paul was trying to tell him. Paul sighed. "I know, I'm jumping, I'm rambling and I'm not helping. What I was able to gather was that he'd been with them for six years. He hates them. There was a man who had orders to shoot him if he tried to leave. I wouldn't be surprised if he was kept in a locked room wherever 'home' is." "You think he was kidnapped," Sheriff Andrews stated. Paul nodded. "I do. He said something else, Dad. His father's a sheriff." "What!?" Sheriff Andrews, that fact throwing his mind into a whirl. "Wait, what did he say his name was?" "Pacey," Paul said looking at he father with a puzzled expression on his face. "Pacey," Sheriff Andrews said softly. "Pacey." There had been so many missing person's over the years, but there had been one that had especially struck a cord with him. The plea that had been faxed to every police station in New England. The plea for the safe return of a son by a father who blamed himself for his child disappearance. A Sheriff in Massachusetts. But what was the kid's name? “What was his name!?” Sheriff Andrews muttered. "Dad?" Paul questioned. Sheriff Andrews shook his head. "I'll make some calls when we get to the hospital." Paul nodded. They pulled into the hospital parking lot and Paul jumped out of the car and hurried into the building. His father sat in the car and reached for his radio. "Jimmy? This is Sheriff Andrews." "Yeah Boss?" "Do me a favor and look through the old missing person's folder. The one that we put all those faxes in. See if you can find the one that was sent out by a Sheriff in Massachusetts about his son." "Will do," Jimmy said. "What should I do when I find it?" "Send it down to the hospital. I'll be in the ER waiting room." "Paul okay?" Jimmy asked, concerned. "He's fine, but we have a kid with a bullet in him. He saved Paul's life." "I'll get right on it." "Thanks Jimmy." "No problem." ~INSIDE~ Sheriff Andrews was by his son's side in the waiting room when one of his deputies entered and looked around for him. "I'll be right back son." Paul nodded, his eyes following his father as he approached the deputy and began to speak to him. "What have you got for me Joe?" "A Sheriff's son by the name of Pacey Witter was taken from his hometown of Capeside Massachusetts on January 21st 1994. He was eleven years old." "Well, I'll be damned!" The Sheriff exclaimed. "Any identifying marks?" "A birthmark on his shoulder...and his father had him fingerprinted when he was five. A safety precaution." "That's it! You bring a kit?" The deputy nodded and handed the sheriff what he would need in order to get fingerprints. "Give me a few minutes and I'll have some prints for you to check. If they're a match let me know immediately." He walked back over to Paul. "What's up Dad?" Paul asked. "We have a possible match." "Already?" Paul asked in amazement. "Paul, every police officer on the east coast looked for this boy. It hit a chord with us. I mean, it could have been you. I know that I've made plenty of very bad people angry in my lifetime..." "Dad..." "I couldn't remember the name, so I had Jimmy check out the files. There are prints on file so we can be sure, but if we're right, then his name is Pacey Witter, seventeen years old, taken from Capeside Massachusetts on January 21, 1994 at the age of eleven." "You need to get his prints?" "I think that it would be the best way to be certain." "Then now would be the best time to do it. He just got out of surgery. He won't be waking up for a while." "Come with me. I'll do it now." Paul nodded and the two headed towards Pacey's room. ~A Few Hours Later~ Pacey woke slowly, blinking as the hospital lights assaulted his eyes. He tested his body bit by bit and discovered that while he had pain here and there, the worst by far was in his shoulder. Also, there was something strange on his hands. He looked down at his fingers, his eyebrows drawing together in puzzlement at the ink on his fingers. "We're trying to verify who you are," Paul said. Pacey looked up in surprise. He hadn't realized that anyone was there. "And who do you think I am?" "Pacey Witter," Pacey closed his eyes at the shock of hearing his full name for the first time in six years. "What?" Paul said, noticing his reaction. "I just haven't been called that in so long..." Pacey said softly. "When they first took me, I used to sit in my room and just scream it. Pacey Witter! My name is Pacey Witter!" "Hoping that someone would hear you?" Pacey shook his head. "There was no one to hear...I just didn't want to forget. They tried so hard to make me forget. So hard, but I wouldn't let them. After a while I stopped screaming. It only made things worse. But I didn't forget. I would never let myself forget." They looked up as Sheriff Andrews knocked on the door and stuck his head in. "I'll be right back Pacey," Paul said going to the door to talk to his father. Pacey watched as they went into the hall and sighed, closing his eyes. It was finally beginning to hit him. He was actually free. He was sure that he would soon be going home...and he had never been so scared in his life. "It's a match?" Paul questioned. Sheriff Andrews nodded. "I'm going to call his father soon, I just wanted to let you know first. You going to be here for a while?" Paul nodded. "I'm worried about him. The kid we're seeing right now...I don't think that this is the only facet of his personality." The sheriff nodded. "I don't imagine that it is. He hasn't shown any sign of anger yet and that's bound to come." "Let me know what happens with his father, okay?" Sheriff Andrews nodded. "I'll see you soon." "Bye dad." Sheriff Andrews watched as his son reentered Pacey's hospital room and then went to find a payphone. ~Capeside~ "Doug?" Sheriff Witter said, approaching his son's desk. "Yeah Dad?" Doug said, looking up from his paperwork. "Have you seen that file on Cooper?" Doug sifted through the files on his desk and finding the right one, handed it to his father. "Here you go. James Cooper." "Thanks." Sheriff Witter took the file and returned to his office, shutting the door behind him. He sat down at his desk and rubbed his eyes tiredly. It had been a long day. The phone rang and he reached for it with a sigh. There had been no peace all day. "Sheriff Witter here," he said rather gruffly. "Hello," The man on the other end of the line said. "This is Sheriff Derek Andrews, Penobscot County, Maine." Derek took a deep breath. "I have some news for you." "Yes?" Sheriff Witter said. Derek took another deep breath, and began telling Sheriff Witter everything that he knew about the boy he had only just met, knowing that the man on the other end would need as much proof as possible. "We arrested a group of anti-capitalistic Militants today. With them was a boy. Seventeen years old. Brown hair, blue eyes," Sheriff Witter began to sit up straighter in his seat as the man continued his description. "Said his name was Pacey." Sheriff Witter felt his heart stop but he needed more than that. He couldn't hope unless... "I remembered your fax so I learned his full name. Took his prints. Sheriff, they're a match." "It's him? You're sure?" Mr. Witter's voice sounded breathless to his own ears. He couldn't believe that this was actually happening. "I had someone fax you the match. It should be there now." "Just a minute," Sheriff Witter said. He dropped the phone and ran over to the fax machine, picking up the paper that had come through minutes before. It was a match. His son was really alive. "Dad?" Doug questioned, startled at his father's frantic behavior. Sheriff Witter ignored him and hurried back into his office. He picked up the phone and spoke into it desperately. "Where is he? Is he all right?" "He's at Eastern Maine Medical Center." "What!?" "He's going to be fine," Derek assured him immediately. "Where exactly are you?" "Bangor, Maine." "Bangor Maine. Eastern Maine Medical Center?" "That's right." "I'll be there as soon as I can." "Then I'll see you at the hospital. Ask for Derek Andrews at the desk." "Will do." "Goodbye Sheriff Witter." "Goodbye, and thank you." "Your welcome," Derek said softly before hanging up the phone. Sheriff Witter hurried to his office door. "Dougie!" He called, waving his son over. "Get in here." Doug looked at his father in surprise and hurried into the office. "What's wrong?" "Sit!" Sheriff Witter said, shutting the door behind them. Doug sat and Sheriff Witter sat across from him. "Doug, I need you to do some stuff for me." "What?" "I need you to stay here tonight. I know you have the night off..." "Tamara and I were planning on dinner," Doug said, looking at his father with puzzlement. "She'll understand," Sheriff Witter said. "I just got a call from a Sheriff in Maine. He sent me these." He handed Doug the fax. Doug looked at it, his eyes opening wide. "But this..." He looked at his father, amazement shining on his face. "Dad..." "He's alive Dougie. Your brother's alive and I have to go, so you see..." Doug shook his head. "No problem Dad. What do you need me to do?" "Call Logan. Get the earliest possible flight to Bangor for your mother and me. Call the girls. And I want you here in case I need to get in touch with you. I'm going to try and get him transferred to Capeside Memorial..." Doug's head snapped up. "The Sheriff said he was going to be fine. I don't know what happened." "Who was it?" "I don't know," Sheriff Witter said softly. "I didn't ask. There will be time for that when we get there." Doug nodded. "I'll call the airport now," he said. "Tell him..." He stopped shaking his head. "Never mind. I'll tell him myself." Sheriff Witter nodded and got to his feet, grabbing his jacket. "I'm headed home to tell your mother. I'll call you from there." Doug nodded and watched his father leave, unable to believe that any of this was happening. He picked up his father's phone and dialed information. "Hello. I need the number for Logan International Airport. Thank you." Doug shut his eyes for a moment as he was connected to the airport. His brother was alive. It was hard to comprehend. "I wonder what your life's been like, little brother," he whispered softly, feeling a sudden pain in his chest over what might have been. The time they all should have had together. "We'll make it up to you Pace. Somehow, we'll make everything okay again." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~* Learning the truth is only the first step towards solving the Mystery… Deadly Secrets Joey missed her chance, but Andie has learned the importance of seizing the moment. Will Joey be able to win Pacey back? Carpe Diem
SnoozyC Loves Pacey and Joey Posts: 12 (3/16/03 11:41 pm) Reply	Ooooooooh Faaaabulous! I'm glad they confirmed who he was.... now just leaves the big uphill struggle of putting him back into that old life again. I wonder where Joey is?
LadyHaHa Loves Pacey and Joey Posts: 10 (3/16/03 11:41 pm) Reply	Re: Bent (Updated 3-13-03) How cool is that that you have Doug with Tamara This is so amazing! It's like I'm reading a novel instead of a fic. A novel about Pacey! So, when do They meet? I can tell it's coming soon, so I'll be patient. Donna PS Thanks for the thanks.
PJfanLizzy Loves Pacey and Joey Posts: 3 (3/17/03 1:04 am) Reply	Hi :) This is so good. I should have checked out these other fics before I posted such a lame one. Your story is so good. I'm feeling so bad for Pacey right now though.
Snowie5879 Loves Pacey and Joey Posts: 10 (3/17/03 8:49 am) Reply	Re: Bent (Updated 3-16-03) Hello all! Thanks for the replies! I'm glad you're enjoying the story. I'm going to try and poat a chapter a day from now on, as long as life doesn't interfere... like it so often does Hope you like this chapter! Joey shows up in this chapter Snoozy, along with the rest of the gang... Doug and Tamara... I went over things that would have been different if Pacey hadn't been there... This is one of a couple of noticable differences... Snowie Chapter Three: ~The Raging Storm~ ~EASTERN MAINE MEDICAL CENTER~ Paul eased out of Pacey's hospital room and looked around the hall for his father. He spotted him down the hall talking to a patrolman. He hurried towards him. "Did you get a hold of them?" He asked as he reached his father. "They're on their way," Derek said. "How's Pacey?" "He's sleeping," Paul said. "You learn anything more?" "He didn't say much," Paul said. "Just..." He stopped as a scream ripped through the hall. "NOOOO!!" Paul was moving almost immediately, his father on his heels. They entered Pacey's room on the coat tails of a doctor, a nurse right behind them. "Get away from me!" Pacey screamed. His frenzied eyes caught sight of the Doctor and Paul and Derek. "Get him away from me!" He cried, pointing at an orderly who was standing at the foot of his bed. "Pacey, calm down," Paul said, his voice soothing. "GET HIM OUT OF HERE!" "Pacey, I need you to relax," the doctor said his voice soothing. "He's just an orderly. He's not going to hurt you." "He's one of her's!" Pacey cried. The doctor turned to the nurse. "A sedative." The nurse nodded and hurriedly drew a syringe for the doctor and handed it to him. "What are you doing?" Pacey asked. "What...what are you doing!?" "It's just to help you relax," the doctor said. "I don't want it!" The doctor stepped forward to administer it to the IV. "NO!" Pacey screamed, flailing his good arm to the side, knocking the doctor off balance. "Pacey," Paul said, hurrying forward. "No!" Pacey cried. Paul gripped him by the shoulders and held him down, nodding at the doctor who quickly administered the drug. "It'll be okay," Paul said. "I won't let anything happen to you." Pacey struggled against his hold, but slowed as the drug kicked in. "You can't trust anyone," he said softly. "They're everywhere." "Everything is fine, Pacey. I promise," Paul said. Pacey looked up, his gaze meeting Paul's forcefully. "I'm NOT crazy." "I don't think you are," Paul said. He looked up as the movement of the orderly towards the door caught his attention. He nodded to his father, who stepped up to the man, stopping his movement. "We'll figure it out." "They're everywhere," Pacey whispered as his eyes fluttered shut. "Everywhere." ~CAPESIDE POLICE STATION~ "So, you want to explain why you ditched me?" Tamara Jacobs asked, standing in front of Doug's desk. Doug looked up as the slightly amused voice of his girlfriend reached his ears. He could tell from her tone that she was amused for now. If he didn't have a damn good excuse that amusement would soon change to annoyance. He put the phone down and got to his feet, giving her a tight hug. "I have a very good reason actually," Doug said softly. He stepped back and took a deep breath. Tamara could suddenly tell that whatever this was, it was major. "It's going to have repercussions for you too. For everyone at the high school." For it had suddenly hit Doug that the little boy that he remembered from six years ago was now almost a man. All of his friends were now in high school. If Pacey had grown up in Capeside like he should have, he would have had Tamara for English sophomore year. "What's going on Doug?" Tamara asked. "You remember how I told you about Pacey?" Doug said, his voice almost frenzied. "Your younger brother who disappeared?" Tamara asked, puzzled. Doug nodded. "We thought he was dead. We had no hope left...But they found him...." "What!?" "In Maine. I don't know what happened, how they found him. I only know that he's there and that my parents went to get him. I've been calling everyone in my family. His friends." He looked around, frazzled. "I keep feeling that there's something more that I should be doing." "How about sitting down and relaxing for a minute and telling me what's bothering you." Doug deflated and collapsed into his chair. "I'm scared to death," he said softly. Tamara sat next to him and placed her hand in his. "I'm scared of what happened to Pacey while he was gone. What he's going to be like. I'm scared that they scarred him, body and spirit. I'm...I'm scared that he'll come back and that the little boy who disappeared six years ago will be gone. That we'll never really get him back." Tamara rested her head comfortingly on Doug's shoulder, wishing that there was something that she could say to help him, to reassure him. But there was nothing that she could say with enough certainty to be convincing. She knew, as he did, that the boy who came back would not be the one who left. It was only a question of how much he had changed....and in what way. ~EASTERN MAINE MEDICAL CENTER~ "Pacey was right," Derek said, approaching Paul. "We think he's one of her's." "He talk?" "No," Derek said, rubbing his forehead tiredly. "But he's not in any of the employment records." Paul shook his head. "When are Pacey's parents getting here?" "I think they were flying in. The storm probably delayed them, but they should be here soon." Paul looked over at the door to Pacey's room which was now guarded by a policeman. "I wonder how they're going to react to this?" "With a lot of tears, a lot of guilt and a lot of anger." "Sheriff Andrews?" Someone questioned. "Yes?" Derek said turning. It was the federal agents that had spoken to him at the bank. "Oh, it's you," he said. "What?" "I understand that the boy is here," Special Agent Thomas said. "We need to speak to him." "He was just sedated," Paul said. "One of Sally's men got in to see him." "Is he all right?" Agent Jones asked, concerned. "He'll be fine," Paul said. "We need to talk to you too," Agent Thomas said. "You were there, correct? And you had a conversation with the boy?" Paul nodded. "What can you tell us about him?" "His name is Pacey Witter. He's seventeen years old. Six years ago he was kidnapped from Capeside Massachusetts. His father, Sheriff John Witter, and his mother, Beth Witter are on their way here as we speak." "Sheriff Andrews!" A man exclaimed, hurrying over to them, his wife at his heels. "I'm John Witter. My son..." "Mr. Witter," Sheriff Andrews said. "He's in that room right over there. We'll let you peek in and then we need to talk to you..." "But..." Beth started. "He's sedated right now, Mrs. Witter," Paul said. "We'll explain...." "Aren't you going to check their ID?" Agent Thomas asked. "You can't be sure..." "Who are you?" John Witter asked. "Why would they need to check ID?" "I'm Special Agent Thomas with the FBI," He said, showing his badge. "And they need to check ID because the boy's still in danger." Agent Jones glared at her partner for a moment. He was so insensitive sometimes, just blurting things out. "We're just being cautious," she said softly to the Witter's. "We want to be sure that nothing more happens to Pacey." "Here," John Witter said, thrusting his ID into Agent Thomas' hands. He then turned to Paul. "My son?" "This way, Mr. Witter," Paul said, leading the way to Pacey's hospital room. ~CAPESIDE: DAWSON'S ROOM~ "Whatever Dawson," Joey said rolling her eyes. "We all know that television shows are of far better quality than movies any day..." "What!?" Dawson squawked. "You've got to be..." "Kidding!" Joey said, rolling her eyes again. "You've known me how long, Dawson?" "Long enough that he should know when you're joking!" Jack said with a laugh. "What's up Dawson? Out of your league?" "Hey, we all know that Joey can run circles around poor Dawson here. He doesn't stand a chance." "Thank you so much Jen," Dawson said, glaring at her. Jen shrugged. "Don't worry Dawson," Andie said, taking her boyfriend's hand. "I still love you." "Thank you," Dawson said, kissing her lightly on the lips. "Ugh, PDA," Joey said with a groan, but she smiled. She and Dawson had had a very shortlived romance, but had soon discovered that they were much better friends then lovers. Kissing him had been kind of like kissing a brother, and that was not a very comfortable thing. Joey was happy that Dawson had found Andie. They were perfect for each other, though she sometimes wondered how two such neurotic people could survive in the world together. Joey shook her head and got to her feet. "You guys hungry?" She asked. "Naw," The others said, shaking their heads. "Well, I'm going to go get a snack. Don't start the movie without me, 'kay?" "No problem," Jack said. Joey left and Andie turned to Dawson. "Dawson, Dad wants to know if you'll come over for dinner tomorrow night," Andie said, looking at him expectantly. "Can you make it?" Dawson was about to answer when the phone rang. He held up a finger as he answered. "Hello?" Dawson looked surprised as the person on the other end of the line announced themselves. "Doug? What...? You're kidding! Where was....? Who... She's here. Yeah...Yeah, I'll tell her..." He paused for a while as Doug spoke. "Let me know when he gets here," he said, his voice filled with stunned disbelief...and happiness. "We'll see you soon, Doug." He dropped the receiver back into it's cradle and stared at the wall for a moment. Andie's eyebrows drew together in puzzlement when she noticed the dazed look on Dawson's face. "Dawson?" She questioned softly. "Are you okay?" "Oh my god," Dawson said, turning his face towards her, but not really seeing her. "Where'd Joey go?" "Downstairs..." Andie said. Dawson jumped to his feet and ran to the door. "Dawson?" "Joey!" Dawson called. "Jo!?" "What's going on?" Jack asked, looking confused. Andie turned and looked at Jen who just shrugged. "I have no idea." "Who's Doug?” Jack asked. "Don't know that either." "That I can help you with. Deputy Doug Witter most likely," Jen said. "But why he'd be calling here..." She shrugged again. "JOEY!?" Dawson called again from the hall. "Hold your horses!" Joey exclaimed, bounding up the stairs. "What's your problem, Dawson?" "They found him, Jo," Dawson said, joy beginning to creep over his face. "What?" Joey asked confused. "Who?" "They found Pacey, Joey! He's coming home." The plate that Joey was carrying clattered to the ground. She reached out and grabbed Dawson by his upper arms. "Are you serious?" She asked, shaking him slightly, her eyes wide. Dawson nodded. "Swear on Captain Jones' bones," he said, holding up his right hand and calling on their old childhood pact. "Oh my god!" Joey exclaimed. "Oh my god! How do you know?" She asked, shaking him again. "Doug just called," Dawson said. "His parents just got the news. They’re on their way to pick him up now." "Did he say where he was? What had happened?" "No," Dawson said. "I think Doug was still in a daze. He just said that his parents had gone to get him and he thought that we should know. He said that he'd give us a call when they get him home. But he's alive Joey! He's really alive!" Joey let out a whoop and threw her arms around Dawson. "I don't believe this!" They did a little dance in the hall, as their friends watched in confusion. "Um guys?" Jen said from the doorway where she was standing with Andie and Jack. "Sorry to interrupt and all, but who's Pacey?" Joey and Dawson looked at each other, some of their excitement leaving them as they begin to think of the reality of the situation. They reentered Dawson's room and sat down on the bed. "Pacey Witter was our best friend," Joey said softly. "From the time that we were three until..." She stopped, the horror of those days returning. People talking in hushed voices. The lights moving through the woods at night as people searched. The discussion about dragging the creek... Dawson understood her silence immediately and squeezed her hand reassuringly. "He disappeared when we were, what, ten years old?" Dawson said. Joey nodded. "They looked everywhere, eventually deciding that he must have been taken by someone. They think it was an act of revenge against Sheriff Witter." Dawson looked down at his feet. "I don't think Sheriff Witter ever stopped looking for Pacey," Joey said softly. "Even if the official investigation was called off." "How could he?" Dawson said. "Heck half the time when I walk down the street in another town, I look at each face..." Joey nodded. "I know." "Where do you think he was?" Jack asked softly. "Do they know who had him?" Dawson shook his head. "I don't know. Doug didn't say much. I...I still can't believe..." Joey sat silently, a thoughtful, almost fearful look on her face. Dawson noticed almost immediately. "What's wrong Jo?" "I was just thinking," Joey began softly. "You know, six years...that's a long time...I'm just scared for him is all." She looked up, her gaze meeting Dawson's. "It's just...the kind of people who would steal a child for revenge...what...what do you think they did to him...after they took him?" Dawson felt the initial joy he had felt at the return of his best friend fade as fear began to replace it. "Oh god, Jo, I don't know..." And deep down he wondered if he truly wanted to know. ~EASTERN MAINE MEDICAL CENTER~ A storm raged outside, but it wasn't as violent as the one that raged within the hospital's walls. Deep within a young man's brain. Deep within his soul. Pacey tossed and turned on his hospital bed as horrifying visions flashed before his eyes. The sounds he made would have been painful to hear, if anyone had been there to listen. But for the moment he was alone, the nightmares his only companions. He gasped suddenly and sat up straight in bed, sweat pouring off of him. He looked around frantically, unsure where he was. If they found out he was gone... If they found him...His breath caught in his throat as the door to his room began to open. He shrank back, his eyes searching desperately for an escape route. A way out. There was nothing. "No!" He whispered softly, fear racing through him. "Please no!" "Pacey?" Beth Witter questioned softly as she entered the room. She felt a sharp pain shoot through her heart at the fear she saw written so clearly on her son's face. She didn't know yet exactly what those people had done to her son, but she knew already that if she were allowed even a minute alone with them she could easily kill them. "Pacey," she said again, even more gently, tears filling her eyes. "Mom?" Pacey questioned uncertainly, as if unable to believe that it was actually her standing in front of him. As if he had dreamed this moment many times, only to have the horror of reality crash down upon him again and again. Beth Witter moved slowly to the bed, careful to keep her movements small so as not to frighten him. She took his hand gently, careful not to react to the way that he flinched away from her touch. She looked down at his hand first, her eyes then moving up his arm. She flinched inwardly at the bruises and scratches, some bright and new, other's old and faded, that covered them. The burns. The scars. She bit her lip. What had those monsters done to him? What had they done to her baby? "It's okay Pacey," she said, careful to keep the anger out of her voice. Filling her words instead with the love that filled her heart at the sight of him. "You're safe now." 'Safe?' Pacey's mind questioned. He was barely able to keep from scoffing at her...but fear of her reaction to that was enough to keep him quiet. Who was she kidding anyway? He hadn't felt safe in six years. Not since the day that they had taken him and thrown him into the deepest recesses of hell. Pacey pulled his hand from his mother's and shrank farther against the wall as the door to his room opened once more. John Witter walked into the room, stopping dead in his tracks at the fear on Pacey's face. He wished again that the FBI had granted his request for a few moments alone in that interrogation room... At least they were going to let them take him home almost immediately, insisting only that they were allowed access to him in Capeside. Paul had suggested leaving him in the hospital in Capeside for a while to allow him to get used to the idea of being home. He had also suggested a psychologist. One look at the fear on Pacey's face was enough to convince Mr. Witter that one was needed. What had those monsters done to his son? Mr. Witter's mouth tightened slightly at the thought of those people. The ones that had done this to his son. Pacey saw the change in his expression immediately and became even more on guard. Mr. Witter noticed this and grimaced slightly, a lump forming in his throat. He cleared his throat slightly before speaking as gently as he could. "How are you Pacey?" Pacey studied his father as if the question was a matter of life and death and Mr. Witter swallowed hard. "You can say whatever you want to Pace. No...no one here is going to hurt you." Pacey laughed shortly before biting his lip slightly, tears coming to his eyes. These were his parents...His parents! And he had no idea how to act around them. No idea what to say. What to do. He licked his lips slightly and then looked uncertainly from his father to his mother and back again. "I'm..." He started, his voice hoarse from disuse. "I'm...not so good." He looked down at his hands, too afraid to look up. Afraid of what he might see in their faces...Of what he might not see. Tears filled the eyes of both of his parents at the sound of his voice. It was the first time that they had heard his voice in six years. Nothing prepared them for the sound of it, so lost and frightened. So beaten... "That's okay," John Witter said softly, moving to his wife's side as she took Pacey's hand in hers once again. He put his arm around him wife and rested his other hand on top of the hand which held Pacey's so tightly. Pacey looked up at them, his face unsure, yet hopeful. "We...we're going to help you through this Pacey. You don't have to be afraid anymore. You don't have to worry. Your mother and I. We're going to take care of you. They'll never get near you again." Pacey looked at them, wanting to believe him. Wanting to trust the love that he saw in their eyes. But he couldn't. His ability to believe in anything had disappeared a long time ago. And he knew the words for the lie they were, because there was nothing that his parents could do to keep them away. Not when he carried them with him always, deep within his tortured soul. His parents watched Pacey sadly as the mistrust and doubt swept across his face. They wished that there was something that they could do to make him believe. To help him to trust them. But they could think of nothing and the storm still raged, deep within Pacey's soul. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~* Learning the truth is only the first step towards solving the Mystery… Deadly Secrets Joey missed her chance, but Andie has learned the importance of seizing the moment. Will Joey be able to win Pacey back? Carpe Diem
SnoozyC Loves Pacey and Joey Posts: 14 (3/17/03 11:10 am) Reply	Re: Bent (Updated 3-16-03) Awwwww sniffly iffle Poor Pacey My god, what did those bastards do to him? They need to get him back home to the safety of Capeside as soon as possible I think - the more love he has surrounding him the better - and I think his friends will be crucial Still loving this!
LadyHaHa Loves Pacey and Joey Posts: 12 (3/17/03 6:53 pm) Reply	Re: Bent (Updated 3-16-03) Dawson and Andie! HAHA! I love this AU. I'm glad Joey isn't with Dawson barf! Poor Pacey. I hope Joey can help him through this. I hope he wants to talk to her! I am in love with this fic you must know. Donna
Angel608J Loves Pacey and Joey Posts: 12 (3/17/03 7:36 pm) Reply	Re: Bent (Updated 3-16-03) sighs Did I ever tell you how much I love this story? I know I did over at PoTL, but now I get to tell you all over again. Hey, do I get to yell at you all over again as well? I look forward to reading everything again honey. I simply adore this story. Angel
EviePJlvr Founder of Operation True Love! Pacey & Joey Die Hard, Joshua Jackson Bad Ass Chick. Posts: 146 (3/17/03 8:17 pm) Reply	Re: Bent (Updated 3-16-03) I really love this story, Snow! It's so well written. So, the gang's all here now, and Doug is there to help. The best part about this is the wonderful plot you have in store. I can't wait for more of this, hon! Hugs, Evie Reading is good. Writing is even better.
PJfanLizzy Loves Pacey and Joey Posts: 5 (3/17/03 9:49 pm) Reply	Re: Bent (Updated 3-16-03) Great story. I like it very much. I still am so sad for Pacey. That was such a horrible thing to go through.
Snowie5879 Loves Pacey and Joey Posts: 11 (3/18/03 4:30 pm) Reply	Chapter Four Hello all! Here's the next chapter! I hope you like it! Thanks for the replies! I'm really glad you're enjoying it! Not to worry, Snoozy! His friends will definitely be crucial Hehehe! Dawson and Andie! sigh Aren't they great together? Of course you can still yell at me Angel! It wouldn't be the same otherwise! I'm glad you like it Evie! And Pacey does have a great support system in this story! It's very important to the storyline... Thanks for the reply PJFanLizzy! I'm glad you like it! Here we go! Chapter 4! Snowie Chapter Four: ~Reunions~ ~THE NEXT DAY~ ~Capeside Memorial~ "Thanks for coming down," John Witter said. "Pacey seems to really trust you..." "He trusts you too," Paul said. "But he also knows that you expect something from him. You can't help it." Mr. Witter nodded. "I understand that. I just wish..." He stopped himself. "I guess that's part of the problem, huh?" Paul looked at him sympathetically. "I don't know. Pacey really needs to see a psychiatrist. I wish I could help more, but all I can really do is look at this from an outsiders perspective. More than that..." Mr. Witter nodded. "I talked to some of the doctors here. They all suggest someone who specializes in kids. Someone whose dealt with kidnappings before, but none of them can recommend..." He sighed. "I know it was stupid, but I just thought that it would be so easy. He's alive and he's back..." Paul looked thoughtful. "I might be able to help you. I have a friend whose a child psychologist. He's semi-retired now, but I think that he'd be more than happy to help... Let me give him a call." Mr. Witter nodded. "Thanks again Paul. You have no idea..." "He saved my life Mr. Witter. Anything I do for him...It can never compare to that." Mr. Witter nodded and was about to say something further when Doug arrived. "Dad!" Doug exclaimed, hurrying towards his father with Carrie at his heels. "Where's Mom? Is he...?" "Your mother's in with Pacey," John said. "Dad?" Carrie questioned. He held out his arms and gave her a hug. "Where's Gretchen?" He asked. "She wanted to come right away," Doug said. "But I convinced her to finish up her last few midterms before racing back here." Mr. Witter nodded. "That was probably a good idea." He turned to Paul. "Doug, Carrie, this is Paul Andrews. Paul, these are my two oldest. Carrie and Doug." "Nice to meet you," Paul said, holding out his hand which Doug and then Carrie shook. "Dad told me all that you've done for Pacey. Thanks." "It was my pleasure," Paul said. "Speaking of help, I'm going to go call David." He nodded to Mr. Witter and Doug and Carrie and then turned to find the payphones. They watched him go for a minute and then Doug turned to his father. "Can we see him?" "Come over here and sit down," Mr. Witter said. "There are some things that I need to tell you." "What is it Dad?" Doug asked as they sat down. "Why is he in the hospital anyway?" "He was shot, Dougie." "What!?" "The woman who had him decided that Paul needed to be shot as an example. I guess Pacey thought that it was because Paul had talked to him, and it probably was. Anyway, he jumped in front of Paul and saved his life. They managed to get out of there, I don't want to go into how right now..." Mr. Witter shuddered, how they had gotten out still scaring him. "You need to know that...there's evidence of extensive and long term abuse, physical and mental." Mr. Witter took a deep breath. "She beat him. That..." He took another deep breath. "Bruises, new and fading. Burn marks, scars...He's going to need some time...He's distant. He's cold, but I know that it's because he's scared. I just don't know how to get through that barrier. Prepare yourself for meeting a Pacey different from the one who left..." They were silent for a few minutes. "Can we see him?" Doug asked. "In a little while." Doug nodded. "Look, I promised Dawson and Joey that I would call them when he got back to Capeside." Mr. Witter nodded, glad that Doug had thought to call them. "I'm going to go do that. When do you think that they can see him?" "Not for a while," Mr. Witter said. "We think leaving it at family is best for now." Doug nodded. "I'll tell them." ~Dawson's~ Dawson looked up as Joey climbed through the window into his room. "Where've you been?" He asked. "Around," Joey said. "Just walking and thinking." She looked a Dawson, a questioning look on her face. "Why, what's going on?" "Doug called," Dawson said. "Pacey's in Capeside Memorial." "Can we see him?" Joey asked, sitting down on the bed. Dawson shook his head. "He said it's only family right now." He looked at her expectantly. Joey looked torn for a moment. "Let's go." Dawson smiled slightly. "You read my mind. What are we waiting for?" ~Capeside Memorial~ Joey and Dawson walked into the hospital and after questioning the nurse at the front desk, they were soon on their way to Pacey's room. As they rounded a corner, Joey came to a dead stop, causing Dawson to run into her. "What!?" He asked. "I'm not seeing that," Joey said, rubbing her eyes. "What?" Dawson asked. "That," Joey said, pointing to a girl of about their age, dressed in a candy striper's uniform. Dawson's gaze followed Joey's finger and his mouth dropped open in surprise. "No way!" He said. "Hurry, let's..." "Too late," Joey said resignedly as the girl caught sight of them and walked over. "Josephine, Dogson. What are you doing here?" Joey rolled her eyes. "We could asked you the same question, Abigail," Joey said sarcastically. "Duh, I'm a candy striper," Abby said. "What, the uniform didn't clue you in?" "I know what you're doing Abby, but I have absolutely no idea why you are a candy striper." "I like to help people," Abby said. Joey scoffed and Abby's eyes narrowed. "Okay so it looks good on college applications. What's it to you?" "Now that's the Abby I know," Joey said. Abby glared at her. "Well, what are you doing here?" Joey snorted again. "If you don't know then there's no way in hell that I'm going to tell you." "Joey!" Dawson said, looking at her meaningfully. "It doesn't matter Dawson. She's not what he needs right now." "Shouldn't we let him decide that?" "We will, but right now, I'm not going to tell her, alright? You can if you want to, but I'm leaving." She glanced at Abby, finding it hard to believe that there had actually been a time when she hadn't hated this girl and vise versa, but if their group had ever been a quad instead of a trio, then Abby had been the fourth member. Not as close as the other three, but she had occasionally tagged along on their adventures. "What the hell are you talking about?" Abby asked, confused. Joey looked at Dawson expectantly. "Well?" Dawson looked torn for a minute and then sighed. "You'll find out soon enough," Dawson said. "See you later." He and Joey hurried away, leaving behind a curious and puzzled Abby. She was about to follow them when a nurse called her over. "Abby? I need your help." Abby gazed after Joey and Dawson for a minute. "Abby?" The nurse questioned again. Abby let out an annoyed sigh. "Alright, alright. I'm coming." ~Outside Pacey's Room~ Joey and Dawson entered the hall where Pacey's room was and saw a group of people gathered to one side of it. They walked over to Pacey's family uncertainly, noticing the defeated cloud around them. Doug caught sight of them and waved. "Dawson, Joey," he said with a slight smile. "I guess I should have known that you guys would show up anyway." "How is he?" Joey asked. "Is there any way that we can see him?" Doug looked at his parents and Paul. "It might help him," Paul said. He turned to Dawson and Joey. "He's...He's having a hard time with this whole thing." "Who are you?" Dawson asked, curious. "My name's Paul," Paul said. "He found Pacey," Mr. Witter said. "Paul, that's Dawson and the young lady is Joey. They're Pacey's best friends." Paul nodded. "Why doesn't Dawson go in first." He turned to Dawson. "Don't push him. I think that he'll be happy to see you, but who knows if he'll show that." ~Pacey's Room~ Pacey sighed and leaned his head back against his pillow. Was it always going to be this painful? Each time his parents came in it was almost like it hurt more. The looks that they gave him. The expectation in their eyes. It was like they expected him to be the person he had been six years ago. The only problem was, he didn't know how to be that anymore. Doug and Carrie were the same way. And uncomfortable. Everyone was so uncomfortable. He wished that Gretchen was there. Somehow, he had a feeling that of all his family she would understand the most. Maybe she would be able to look at him without the expectation. Pacey looked up as a knock came to the door. A blond boy about his age stuck his head in. "Can I come in?" He asked uncertainly. Pacey studied him for a minute, the face familiar, but it was hard to believe... "Dawson?" He questioned. The boy nodded. "My god! Come in!" Dawson entered the room slowly, studying the boy in the bed. He stuck his hands in his pockets and stood next to the bed, rocking from side to side a little uncomfortably. "Sit down," Pacey said, motioning to the chair beside the bed. Dawson sat and then took a deep breath. "So," he said. "So," Pacey said. "This is a little weird, huh?" Dawson said. "I have so many things that I want to tell you but I don't even know where to start..." Pacey shrugged. "Well, how about...How's Joey?" Dawson smiled. "You'll get to ask her that yourself," he said softly. "She's here?" Pacey asked, surprised. "Right outside, waiting her turn. They're only letting us in one at a time you know." "So are you two...?" Pacey asked looking at Dawson meaningfully. Dawson's eyes opened wide. "Nope. For a little while. It didn't work. We were never meant to be anything more than friends." Pacey nodded, digesting this. When he had thought about his friends and what they would be doing with their lives, he had always pictured Dawson and Joey together. Always together. To find out that they weren't was a bit of a surprise. "Girlfriend?" "Andie...Andrea McPhee. She moved here during sophomore year." Pacey nodded again and studied Dawson for a minute...And there it was again. That expectant look. That hope...Pacey closed his eyes and sighed, fighting back the desire to cry. Dawson looked at him uncertainly for a minute, sensing his withdrawal. "You look tired. Do you want me to..." Pacey opened his eyes. "Yeah...yeah, I think so. I...It was great to see you again, Dawson." "You too Pace," Dawson said softly. "Do you want me to tell Joey...?" "No," Pacey said. "No, I'd...I'd like to see her for a minute." Dawson nodded. "I'll send her in." "Thanks Dawson." Dawson nodded again and left the room. He went over to where Joey was talking with Pacey's family. They looked at the almost defeated expression on his face and sighed. "He was so distant," Dawson said. "Interested but...so far away." "Don't take in personally Dawson," Doug said softly. "He's like that with everyone..." Dawson nodded and turned to Joey. "He said that he was tired, but he does want to see you for a minute. You feel up to this?" Joey nodded. "I want to see him," she said. "I'll see you guys in a few." The others nodded and watched as she approached Pacey's door and knocked before entering. Pacey looked up as a beautiful brunette entered his room. He studied her for a minute, searching out the child that he remembered in the beautiful young woman in front of him. "Jo," he said softly. "Pacey," She said, a smile lighting up her face. A smile that he couldn't help but return. Joey studied him in surprise. That one change in expression did wonders for him. The shadows disappeared and she was somewhat surprised to find that he was not only cute, but incredibly handsome. Pacey watched her as she studied him and saw the expression start to grow and his smile faded. "Not you too," he whispered softly. "What!?" Joey asked. "Nothing," Pacey said. "No. Really," Joey said. "Not me too what?" Pacey looked at his hands for a minute and the raised his head, his eyes boring into hers. "Don't look at me with that expectation. Like you expect me to suddenly morph into the eleven year old Pacey from the days of yore. Like I'll suddenly be him instead of this stranger. I've already had enough of that from my family and Dawson." "You think that's what we expect?" Joey asked, surprised. "Either that, or that I'm going to suddenly sprout a second head. I haven't quite decided yet." Joey laughed. "How about if I swear that all I expect from you is that you remember me? And that we can go from there. Learn about the people that we are now instead of the ones that we were then?" "Well, if you swear," Pacey said in an amused voice. Joey laughed again and Pacey felt himself relax. A relieved smile spread across his face. This was better. Not so uncomfortable. Joey returned the smile and Pacey found himself staring at her in amazement. Joey noticed and began to feel a little self conscious. "What?" She questioned softly. "Nothing," Pacey said shaking his head. "It's just..." "What?" Joey asked uncertainly, biting her lower lip. "You're so beautiful Potter. Absolutely gorgeous." Joey blushed and looked down at her hands. "What?" Pacey said, an amused look on his face. "Certainly you must know that you're beautiful?" "Pacey..." Joey started. "Jo, you've always been beautiful. I knew even way back when that you were going to be a hottie. But even what I imagined didn't come close..." "Could we maybe change the subject please?" Joey begged, her face bright red. Pacey smiled, willing to do anything, say anything, as long as that look didn't come. "Sure," he said. "Why don't you tell me what you've been up to. Friends, lovers, enemies...Speaking of friends, what's up with Abby and Will and the others. Are they still around?" "Will moved," Joey said. She bit her lip uncertainly. "And Abby?" Pacey prompted. "Oh, Abby's around," Joey said noncommittally. Pacey nodded, something coming to mind. "And you guys hate each other now." Joey nodded. "Pretty much." "And you would describe her as?" "Heinous bitch generally, but don't let that influence you Pace. If she wants to, and is capable of being, your friend, then I don't want to get in the way of that." Pacey nodded. "So any friends besides Dawson?" He asked with an evil grin. "Hey!" Joey said, glaring at him. "I'll have you know that I have plenty of friends." Pacey raised his eyebrows. "There's Jen Lindley," Joey said. Pacey looked blank. "Mrs. Ryan's granddaughter." Pacey nodded, looking at Joey questioningly. She seemed to sense what he was asking. "Sentenced to the wilds of Massachusetts from New York City thanks to wild behavior. She's cool. And the McPhee's. Andie and Jack." "Ah, Dawson's girlfriend," Pacey said nodding, watching her carefully to gage her reaction to that title. She just nodded and smiled, not disturbed in the least that Dawson had a girlfriend other than her. "Yup. That's our group." She looked at Pacey for a minute. "You're going to join, right?" "What?" Pacey asked, confused. Joey rolled her eyes. "Our 'group' of course." Pacey looked uncertain and there was a pause. "Pace?" Joey said, realizing that she had probably gone too far too fast. "I didn't mean to push. I just..." Pacey smiled softly. "It's alright Jo. I'm glad you want me too, but I think that...It would just be better to wait and see what happens." Joey nodded. She watched as Pacey closed his eyes and shifted in position. He looked so tired! "Oh, damn," she said softly, suddenly angry with herself. "What?" Pacey said. "Dawson told me that you were tired, and here I am..." "It's alright, Joey," Pacey said. "I like talking to you." "Well we can talk tomorrow," Joey said. "You need sleep." "Thanks for coming," Pacey said softly. "It... It was great to see you again." "I'll be back tomorrow," Joey said, taking his hand. "And the only expectation that I'll have is that you'll be somewhat happy to see me." "You can count on it," Pacey said giving her hand a squeeze. "Bye Pace." "Bye Jo." Joey smiled at him one last time and then left the room. Pacey watched her go, a smile on his face. It faded as the light that she had brought into the room left with her, his mind straying back to all the other people in his life. He sighed and closed his eyes, allowing himself to slip into sleep, deciding that he could worry about that later. ~Outside Pacey's Room~ Joey approached the group in the hall with a small, almost sad smile on her face. The others looked up as she approached. "How did it go?" Dawson asked. "Good," Joey said with a smile. "We talked...Not about anything too deep, but...he didn't push me away." She looked at them. "He only does that because he thinks that you're expecting something of him. I don't know if you actually are..." "What did he say exactly," Paul asked. "He said that everyone looks at him like they're expecting him to suddenly morph into the eleven year old Pacey from the days of yore instead of the stranger that they see." "And you said...?" "I asked if that was actually what he thought we were expecting." "And?" "And he said, 'Either that or they're expecting me to suddenly grow a second head. I haven't quite figured it out yet.'" A half happy, half sad sound broke from Mrs. Witter and Joey nodded, knowing where it had come from. It was such a Pacey-like statement. "He's still there," she said with a smile. "He might not be the Pacey he was six years ago, but that boy is still a part of him. You just have to let him be this Pacey too." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~* Learning the truth is only the first step towards solving the Mystery… Deadly Secrets Joey missed her chance, but Andie has learned the importance of seizing the moment. Will Joey be able to win Pacey back? Carpe Diem
EviePJlvr Founder of Operation True Love! Pacey & Joey Die Hard, Joshua Jackson Bad Ass Chick. Posts: 153 (3/18/03 4:45 pm) Reply	Re: Chapter Four And they begin to bond!!! Woohoo! This is perfect. He's so fragile, but she'll help him through. This is great! I can't wait for you to post more. I'm so glad you decided to post this one! I'm lovin' it. Reading is good. Writing is even better.
Angel608J Loves Pacey and Joey Posts: 14 (3/18/03 5:47 pm) Reply	Re: Chapter Four God, I love this story. I think it has to be one of my favorites. I can't say that I've ever been given permission to yell before, but now that I have it, you can bet your ass that I'm going to do it. I am loving every minute of reading this again honey. It's absolutely fantastic. Angel
PJfanLizzy Loves Pacey and Joey Posts: 11 (3/18/03 11:33 pm) Reply	Re: Chapter Four This is the best story. I can't wait until you add more of it. I love Pacey and Joey. I can't wait to see what happens next.

Operation True Love: Pacey and Joey > Pacey and Joey Fan Fic > Bent (Updated 6-22-03)
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